"You're not alone", says Brighton birth trauma specialist
Tracy Law, who was dismissed by her GP after her own birth trauma 27 years ago, is encouraging those struggling to speak up
Last updated 19th Feb 2025
A Brighton mum and birth trauma specialist is reminding others they're "not alone" - as it's revealed 30,000 up to mums experience trauma before, during or after childbirth each year.
Ex-midwife Tracy Law has been speaking out about her own experience 27 years ago following the release of Hits Radio's birth trauma special this week, highlighting how one in 20 women develop PTSD related to complications during birth.
With her first birth leaving her with flashbacks and nightmares herself, the mum-of-three said she was sent away and told "book another appointment" after attempting to share how she was feeling at the end of an check-up about her baby's health.
"I walked out the surgery, and never went back," Tracy admitted.
"Healing starts when we have an empathetic listener"
But, she continued that this didn't make her feelings disappear: "I thought I could just push that down and ignore it.
"But actually that's not what you can do with trauma. You can't just ignore it. You can't just make it go away.
"Four years later, when I had my next child, it popped up again."
She's hoping sharing her experience will encourage other women to open up about what they're going through, reassuring that "healing starts when we are listened to":
"Speak to someone. Your friend, your partner, maybe someone online, such as the Samaritans online support group, or write it down.
"You may not even have the words - but start with "I don't feel right."
"You deserve to be heard. And you deserve to heal."
Tracy, who's also amassed 14,000 followers supporting women online, also advised reaching out to PANDAS, who offer support groups around birth trauma, or visiting a health professional.
Most importantly, she encouraged women to push to have their voices heard: "Don't give up.
"If you go to the GP like I did, twenty seven years ago, go to someone else.
"You matter, your story matters, and your healing matters."
You can find out more information on where to get support for birth trauma here.
Listen to Hits Radio's birth trauma special below: